Yorkshire Terrier Grooming: Silky Coat and Topknot Care
Yorkshire Terriers have one of the most luxurious coats in the toy group: long, fine and silky. Left alone, it mats. Cared for well, it is stunning. See also the Yorkshire Terrier breed profile.
The coat
Yorkie hair is fine and single layered, more like human hair than typical dog fur. It grows continuously and lacks a dense undercoat, so it sheds very little, but loose hairs tangle easily. See silky-coat grooming.
Daily brushing
Brush every day, in sections.
- Mist lightly with a conditioning spray.
- Brush each layer from the skin out with a pin brush.
- Comb through to check for tangles.
Focus on behind the ears, armpits, legs and belly. See pin brush vs bristle brush for dogs and how to brush a dog properly.
Pet clips
Many owners opt for a short puppy clip, which is practical and adorable. See how to give a dog a puppy cut at home. Even long coats typically have a trim to above the floor to prevent dragging and tangles.
Topknots
To keep hair out of the eyes, gather the hair on top of the head into a loose topknot with a soft band. Never pull tight. Remove it and brush the hair each day, and redo it.
Bathing
Bathe every one to three weeks. Brush out first, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner and rinse well. Pat dry and use a gentle dryer while brushing. See how to bathe a dog at home and how to dry a dog after a bath.
Face and eyes
Keep hair out of the eyes and wipe the face daily. See how to trim the hair around a dog's eyes and how to clean dog eyes safely. Yorkies can also develop tear stains. See how to remove tear stains from dogs.
Ears
Check ears weekly and keep hair around the opening neat. See how to clean a dog's ears.
Teeth
Yorkies have a high rate of dental problems. Brush teeth daily if you can, and see your vet for regular dental checks. See how to brush a dog's teeth and dental disease in dogs.
Nails and paws
Trim nails regularly and keep hair between the pads short. See how to trim dog nails safely and how to trim hair between dog paw pads.
Sanitary trim
Keep the rear tidy. See how to do a sanitary trim.
Small dog safety
Handle gently, groom on a non-slip surface and keep dogs warm, since small dogs chill quickly. See winter grooming tips for dogs.
A sample daily routine
- Wipe the eyes and face.
- Brush the coat in sections with a light conditioning mist.
- Comb the legs and beard and check for tangles.
- Brush teeth and offer a dental chew approved by your vet.
- Redo the topknot if you use one.
Yorkie coat quirks
Puppies are born black and tan, and the coat gradually changes to steel blue and gold. Coat texture can vary, from very fine and silky to thicker and cottony, and cottony coats mat more readily. Know what you have, and adapt tools and products accordingly. See how to identify your dog's coat type.
The takeaway
Brush daily, bathe regularly and choose a style that suits your time. Dental care matters most for this small but spirited breed.
Frequently asked questions
Do Yorkies shed?
Very little, though loose hair can tangle in the coat.
How often should I groom my Yorkie?
Brush daily, bathe every one to three weeks and visit the groomer every four to eight weeks.
What is the easiest haircut?
A short puppy clip, about an inch or two all over.
Why does my Yorkie's coat tangle?
Fine, silky hair snags easily and mats where it rubs.